The Code Enforcement Department provides quality services to a rapidly growing community for the protection and promotion of the health, safety, welfare, property value and environment of the citizens of Bastrop. Compliance is gained by focusing on public education on the City's codes and state laws relevant to nuisance, zoning, environment and consumer health standards.

Areas of Work

Zoning - Includes neighborhood issues such as parking unpaved, junk stored outside and RV storage, as well as commercial property uses such as sign allotment, property use requirements, and landscaping. Violations are usually given between 1 and 10 days to be abated.

Junked Vehicles - Applies to vehicles that are on private property that have expired tags or inspection and have not moved in 30 days. Process begins with notice of violation, and then a public hearing is held for a order of abatement to be issued so the vehicle may be towed.

Weeds and Rubbish - Covers uncultivated vegetation on private property and adjacent public property that has grown to a height over 12 inches and junk or debris that has not been properly disposed of. Property owners are notified by regular mail and by a posting placed on the property. Properties that remain in violation at re-inspection are put on mowers lists that are issued to private contractors for abatement.

Substandard Structures - The Property Maintenance Code covers structures and properties that have become open and accessible, vacant properties that have deteriorated to the point of unsafe habitation, and incomplete demolitions. This code is also applied to occupied housing in an effort to stop deterioration of a structure before it becomes dangerous. Cases are presented to the Substandard Structure Commission who may issue an order for the property to be repaired, removed, or demolished. Cases vary on a severity basis, which effects compliance times.